Wolfgang Reitherman, also known as Woolie Reitherman, was a prominent figure in the world of animation, born on June 26, 1909, in Munich, Germany. He moved to the United States with his family, where he pursued a career in visual arts after studying at the Chouinard Art Institute. His journey in animation began at Walt Disney Productions, where he contributed to several Silly Symphonies cartoon shorts and created memorable characters such as the Slave in the Magic Mirror in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Monstro in Pinocchio.
Reitherman's career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Army Air Forces. His bravery earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, he returned to Disney and quickly became a key member of the legendary